Mini Projects – A Way of Learning by Doing

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Mini Projects – A Way of Learning by Doing

History:
  • One of the Project-Based Learning techniques, Mini Projects, originated as pedagogical instruments from John Dewey's research. "My Pedagogical Creed," a book written by Dewey in 1897, introduced the idea of "learning by doing."
Objective of Mini Project:
  • The main objective of making a college mini project is to enable students to acquire deep understanding of the subject matter via hands-on experience
  • To improve student’s capacity for reasoning, analysis, and creative thought.
  • These practical initiatives will serve as the foundation of a successful future in the career.
The steps involved in carrying out a mini project:

  • Executing a mini project for MBA students involves several key steps. Here is a general guide that you can adapt based on the specific requirements and nature of the mini project:
1. Project Selection:
  • Identify a relevant and practical topic for the mini project.
  • Choose a problem statement that needs a solution in real-life.
  • Ensure that the project aligns with the learning objectives of the MBA program.
2. Define Objectives:
  • Clearly articulate the specific objectives you aim to achieve through the mini project.
  • Define what success looks like and how it will be measured.
3. Literature Review:
  • Conduct a literature review to understand existing theories, frameworks, and research related to your chosen topic.
  • Identify gaps or areas where your mini project can contribute.
4. Research Methodology:
  • Define the research methodology you will employ.
  • Specify data collection methods, sampling techniques, and tools for analysis.
5. Project Planning:
  • Develop a detailed project plan outlining tasks, milestones, and deadlines.
  • Allocate resources and assign responsibilities if working in a team.
6. Data Collection:
  • Collect relevant data based on your research methodology.
  • Ensure data accuracy, reliability, and relevance to your objectives.
7. Analysis and Interpretation:
  • Analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.
  • Interpret the findings and relate them to your research questions.
8. Results Presentation:
  • Create visual representations of your results (charts, graphs, tables).
  • Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing your findings.
9. Recommendations:
  • Based on your analysis, provide actionable recommendations.
  • Discuss how your recommendations address the identified problem or contribute to the field.
10. Conclusion:
  • Summarize the key findings and insights from your mini project.
  • Reflect on the implications of your work.
11. Presentation Preparation:
  • Develop a compelling and well-structured presentation.
  • Practice delivering your presentation to ensure clarity and coherence.
12. Final Report Submission:
  • Submit a final written report, adhering to any specific formatting or citation guidelines.
  • Include all relevant appendices, references, and acknowledgments.
13. Presentation:
  • Deliver a professional and engaging presentation to your peers, instructors, or evaluators.
  • Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional insights.
14. Evaluation and Feedback:
  • Receive feedback on your mini project from instructors or evaluators.
  • Use feedback to improve your understanding and future project work.
15. Reflective Analysis:
  • Reflect on the entire mini project experience, including challenges faced and lessons learned.
  • Consider how the project contributes to your overall learning and professional development.
Pre Requisite:
  • Identifying a Problem Statement:
      • “An essential part of any research project, even a short project, is the problem description.”
      • It gives a brief and simple explanation of the problem or issue that the project aims to solve. 
      • Developing a clear problem statement is crucial to directing the entire research process and defining the objectives of the small project.
      • The statement of the problem in a mini project is a critical component that outlines and defines the issue or challenge that the project aims to address. 
      • It serves as a foundation for the entire project, providing clarity on what needs to be investigated, solved, or improved.
Career Benefits:
  • Students who successfully complete mini-projects can create a portfolio that highlights their projects and practical skills, which is useful for job applications.
  • Mini projects frequently give students the freedom to select projects that are in line with their interests, assisting them in investigating possible careers in engineering routes.

Presented by

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Thalari
Assoc Professor
Department of Management Studies & Research Center
CMRIT
Bangalore
Email: sanjeevkumar.t@cmrit.ac.in
Mobile: 9849944417

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